Samuel Egbetokun, 30, has been taken into custody by the Ogun State Police Command on suspicion of poisoning cows in the Odeda Local Government Area of the state’s Alabata community.
The suspect had laced cassava with rat poison and thrown it to the cows while they were grazing, according to a statement released by the command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, on Friday.
Two of the three cows who ingested the toxic material perished quickly, and the third is presently receiving treatment, according to the PPRO.
“The incident came to light on January 16, 2025, when a 54-year-old man, Idris Lawal, of Akingbasa Village, complained to the local police station,” the statement read.
“His cattle rearer, Boji Sanni, caught a man throwing cassava mixed with a substance suspected to be rat poison to his cattle while grazing on January 15, 2025.
“The rearer reported that before realising the cassava was laced with poison, some cows had consumed it. Consequently, two female cows died, and a third is undergoing treatment. The value of the dead cows is estimated at N1,500,000.
As part of their preliminary investigation, Odeda Division detectives searched the area and found the poisoned cassava, which was preserved as evidence.
“The suspect then reportedly confessed to the crime following his arrest.
“The Commissioner of Police has taken a personal interest in the case, particularly due to concerns about potential retaliation from herders or cattle rearers. He is warning others to refrain from such actions, emphasising that this case will serve as a deterrent,” Odutola said.